The Ladies of Cranford: A Sketch of English Village Life Fifty Years Ago : in Three Acts

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^

J

V

The Ladies of Cranford

A Sketch of English Village Life

Fifty Years Ago

In Three Acts

*^ By MARY BARNARD HORNE

Author of <• The Peak Sisters," " Prof. Baxter's Great Invention^'-

« The Boot of Drills," etc.

BOSTON

WALTER H. BAKER & CO

' '. •' -i

The Ladies of Cranford

CHARACTERS

Miss Matilda Jenkyns,
Miss Maev Smith,
Miss Jessie Brown,
Miss Pole,
Mrs. Forrester,
Miss Betty Barker,
The Hon. Mrs. Jamigson,
Martha,

Mrs. Purkis,
Little Susan,

Little James,

tht Rtctffr's daughter

her visitor

a new rfsident

a friend Iq Miss yenkyns

bom a Tyrrell

a retired milliner

a leader in society

maid to Miss Jenkyns

maid to Miss Barker

• 'ottntry viiman 1 n

ha- daughter g

c country girl B

a email toy P

Act I. — Scene, Miss Matty's Parlor — Afternoon Tea.

Act II Scene, Same — "Miss Matilda Jenkyns, licensed Ic

Act III.— Scene, Miss Barker's Parlor— A Card Party.
Time, about 1840,

Copyright, 1899, by Walter H. Baker & Qo.

ro

A

b'

COSTUMES.

Costumes may be found in the edition of Cranford, illustrated
by Hugh Thomson. They should be carefully reproduced, and
the bonnets made to look like illustrations.

Miss Matty is a delicate little old lady, with a sweet face, and
an undecided manner, as found in frontispiece, and in pages 62
and 73.

Miss Pole is tall and thin, with a stiff manner, and a rather
strong-minded appearance — but she succumbs to ruffles at the party
— and wears seven brooches, which should be obvious. See

page 135.

Mrs. Forrester is a tiny old lady — very shabby and quite
poor — rather deaf but of exceedingly good family.

Miss Barker — overdressed and has the appearance of using
up her stock in trade, in the way of ribbons and laces.

Mrs. Jamieson — a large florid woman — very languid — speaks
with a drawl. See last illustration in book.

Mary Smith and Jessie Brown should be pretty young girls
— one dark and the other light. Mary — pages 232 and 242.
Jessie— page 38.

Martha — a large awkward servant — who blunders about and
makes much business of keeping on paper paths and of her devo-
tion to Miss Matty. See pages 78, i^, 242, 250.

Peggy — a tidy little maid— like illustration, page 183.

Mrs. Purkis— common country woman, in shawl and bonnet.

Children and customers dressed like those on pages 266 and 284.

PROPERTIES.

Old-fashioned furniture, stiff-backed chairs, an old square
piano, or possibly a melodeon or parlor organ would do. Can-
delabras and old-fashioned candlesticks, cards for preference — a
card-table, tray, with pretty china, tea chests, tumblers and jars
for candy, scales, etc., for store — see frontispiece to Cranford.
Brown paper sewed together in long strips to make the paper
paths — newspapers can be placed in other places on floor.

24<^899

The Ladies of Cranford.

ACT I.

SCENE. — Miss Matilda Jenkyns' parlor. Tea-table R. c.
Spinn'et L. Sofa R. F. Fireplace and mantel R. Candles on
mantel. Door L. b. Door R. Chairs scattered about. Room
arranged in prim manner^ but tastefully ^ with signs of past
elegance. Newspapers spread over carpet^ here and there, A
path of brown paper leads from door L. B. , to tea-table, Mary
Smith and Jessie Brown discovered sitting together on sofa —
talking confidentially. Mary has plain sewing: Jessie with
knitting-work. Bright-colored wools heaped about. As curtain
rises girls return to work, as if they had just embraced,

Mary. There, now we will attend to the knitting. [Showing
Jessie.) No, no, put your thread over — that's right. Now go on.
(Jessie knitst Mary sews.) I never do fancy work when I visit
in Cranford. It is such a good opportunity to make my father's
shirts.

Jessie. Don't you find it exceedingly tiresome ?

Mary. What, making shirts or visiting in Cranford ?

Jessie. O, both. Cranford is so dull.

Mary. Jessie you don't half know the place yet, or you would
never call it dull. Now — knit back — plain.

Jessie. But it is dull, nevertheless. Nothing ever happens
here. Such a dead monotony. No births, no marriages, no
deaths, even.

Mary (laughing). How can there be births or marriages in a
community of widows and maiden ladies, and not a man in the
place ? And as for deaths, people can only die of old age, here,
it is so healthy.

Jessie. Then why, Mary.do you find Cranford so interesting?

Mary. I cannot tell you. There is a quaint charm about it,
that suits my fancy. I have made visits here ever since I was a
little girl in pinafores — and — well — there is nothing like it — not even
in London.

Jessie. I should think not.

Mary. The dear old ladies are so irresistible. Put your
thread over — take up two stitches, and seam. That's right.

THE LADIES OF CRANFORD.

(Mary jumps ufi, moves a newspaper to another place on ttu
carpet and resumes seat on sofa, )

Jessie. Now, what did you do thatiox'i

Mary. . I — why Jessie — I was practicing elegant economy a la
Cranford. Those papers are to preserve Miss Matty's new carpet
from the rays of the sun, and I was chasing a sunbeam.

Jessie. O (knittings) shall I seam back?

Mary. Yes, dear. Now, do you see that paper path from the
door to the table? That is for Martha to walk upon, when she
brings the tea — to save the carpet.

Jessie. O, how droll !

Mary. Do people make paper paths in London ?

Jessie. Hardly. But is there need of such economy ?

Mary. Many people in Cranford appear to be in straitened
circumstances. But they do not acknowledge it. O, my, no 1

Jessie. Well, we are downright poor.

Mary. Sh ! Don't whisper it in Cranford.

i ESSIE. Why, that is the reason for our coming here.
Iary. Well, there is no need of shocking the ehte of Cran-
ford by mentioning it. Now, seam back.

Jessie. Who are the elite, Mary ?

Mary. Can you ask? First and foremost — the Hon. Mrs.
Jamieson — and then — the rest of us.

Jessie. There, Mary. I have, learned the stitch and I must
go. I promised to teach it to Miss Pole as soon as ever I got it.

Mary. But you will stop on your return, and have a cup of
tea?

( Rolls up work. Enter M arth a walking carefully on paper path.
Stops abruptly at terminus, Jessie gathers up worsted and
prepares for departure, )

Mary [standing), O, Martha, is that you?

Martha (sniffing). Yes, miss.

Mary. Martha, what is the matter?

Martha. Nothin*, miss.

Mary. Then what do you want?

Martha. Missus sent me to say, as she presents her compli-
ments to Miss Brown, and will she remain to drink a cup o' tea.
She is very sorry that she is at present engaged in the cu — cu

Mary. Culinary department?

Martha (meekly). Yes, miss.

Jessie (having put on her bonnet^ which she has taken from
piano and gathered up her work). Please tell your m stress, that

1 shall be most happy to return in time for tea. (Kisses Mary.
Exit, R. B.)

Mary (returning from l. b.). Martha, why do you look so un-
happy. Don't you find your place comfortable ?

Martha. Well, Ma-am — missus is very kind, and there's
plenty to eat and drink, and no more work but what I can dQ
easy, but — ( Twisting the comer of her apron.)

TM£ LADlfiS OF CRaMFORD. . 7

•

Mary (seating herself again and sewing). But what, Martha?

Martha [sniffing). It seems so hard of missus, not to let me
have any followers ; there's such lots of young fellows in the
town ; ai)d many a one has offered to keep company with me ; I
may never get in such a likely place again, an' it's like wasting a
good opportunity — it is miss. (Cries.)

Mary. 1 wouldn't take it so to heart, Martha.

Martha. Many a girl as I knows, would have *em unbe-
knownst to missus ; but I've given my word, an' I'll stick to it.

Mary. That's right, Marthal

Martha. An' such a capable kitchen forhidin' 'em. There's
such good dark corners. I counted 'em up, last Sunday night,
when I was cry in' because I had to shut the door in Jim Hearn's
face. And him such a stiddy young man, fit for any girl.
{Cries,)

Mary. There, Martha, be a good girl and don't fret. I
think I hear Miss Matty coming. (Exit Martha, l. b.) So
there are two love affairs in CranK)rd, for I believe that I have dis-
covered Jessie's secret. However, Martha doesn't count for she
Isn't in genteel society.

Enter Miss Matty, r.

Miss Matty. Where is Jessie ? I hope she hasn't gone. I
really came just as soon as the cakes were out of the oven. Did
Martha deliver the message ?

Mary. Certainly, Miss Matty, and Jessie is coming back.

Miss M. (sitting l.). I think, dear, that we may expect callers,
because one day has elapsed since your arrival, and the ladies
will feel that you have had ample time to rest.

Mary (aside). I should think so. A journey of fifteen miles.

Miss M. (rising). What did you say Mary ? Fifteen miles is
a long distance to travel in one day.

(Miss Matty moves papers during next lines.)

Mary. And I must return these calls?

Miss M. On the third day. I dare say your mamma has told
you, my dear, never to let more than three days elapse between
receiving a call and returning it ; and also that you are never to
stay longer than a quarter of an hour. (Sits after changing
papers. )

Mary. But am I to look at my watch ? How am I to find out
when a quarter of an hour has passed ?

Miss M. You must keep thinking about the time, my dear, and
not allow yourself to forget it in conversation. ( Rising. ) Now, my
dear, lay aside your work, and we will retire to our rooms to make
some slight preparations for company. This cap is hardly fit to
receive in, although it was Deborah's best.

Mary (folding her work). Miss Matty, I have discovered a
secret.

8 THE*LAD1ES OF CRANFORD.

Miss M. And do you think, dear, that you ought to disclose
it?

Mary (rising), I don't know what I ou^Ai to do, but I am
going to tell you, that Jessie Brown has a lover. (Lays work on
table, )

Miss M. (sitting down abruptly on sofa R.). Dear — dear me !
A lover? Jessie Brown?

Mary [standing by table). Yes, a lover. An officer in the
army, and she refused to marry him, in order to nurse that poor
sick sister.

Miss M. My dear, it is quite — quite exciting. And where is
he now ? The officer, I mean.

Mary. O, I don't know that. It is quite hopeless, I imagine.

Miss M. Dear — dear me. A love affair in Cranford. It takes
me back to my youth, when — what am 1 saying, my dear?

Mary (coming over to Miss M.). You were going to tell me
about your lover, Miss Matty. You must have had one, you
know.

Miss M. (embarrassed), O, no, dear, that is — no particular
person. Of course I had lovers like all young girls. You see,
dear, it wasn't so strange, because I was quite nice looking, when
I was young. I had very pretty hair, and not a bad mouth,

Mary (sitting on sofa and taking Miss M.'s hand). You must
have been a perfect dear.

Miss M. (after a short pause), Mary, my dear, I haven't told
you the truth. There was a particular person that I thought I
should marry, a great many years ago, and he is dead and gone
now, — and he never knew how it all came about that I said no,
(Pause,) Deborah knew — and I suppose it was all for the best.

Mary (stroking her hand). Poor Miss Matty. And did you
never see him afterward ?

Miss M. Not for thirty years. And then we met. He was
Miss Pole's cousin, but he never came to Cranford after that
time, until the year before he died — and then he — he called on
me — and gave me a book of poems.

Mary. How romantic !

Miss M. Do you think so, my dear? Well, I don't know.
The poetry isn't as good as Dr. Johnson's, but I prize the book
highly.

Mary. Who was the author?

Miss M. A young man, dear, quite unknown, but he has done
very well, considering his extreme youth. His name is Tennyson,
I think, Alfred Tennyson. (Starting up.) O, what have I been
saying? My sister and I never spoke of the things that happened
before Peter went away.

Mary. Dear Miss Matty, won't you tell me about Mr. Peter.

Miss M. It is a very sad story. I wonder if Deborah would
like me to tell. (Goes cautiously to door l. b.) Let me close the
door first. No — I won't risk it. (Calls off.) Martha !

yiJC^i^h, (answering off ), Yes, missus.

THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 9

Miss M. I must give Martha some instructions about tea and
make sure she does not listen

^///^r Martha, l. b. ; business of walking on paper.

Miss M. We are expecting callers, to-day, Martha, and some
of them will probably stay to tea. See that everything is all right,
and Martha, we will have a plate of the sponge biscuits. Bring
the tray when I ring.

Martha (curtsies). Yes, missus.

Miss M. And you will be very careful, Martha, not to upset
anything, and to make a good appearance ?

Martha. O yes, missus. {Going, backing out, and always
trying not to step off paper path,)

Miss M. And, Martha.^

Martha (returning). Yes, missus.

Miss M. You are young. (Pause,)

Martha (after a moment, curtsies). Yes, please, ma'am: two-
and-twenty last October, please, ma'am.

Miss M. Perhaps, sometime, Martha, you may meet with a
young man you like, and who hkes you

Martha. I've met him, ma'am.

Miss M. (ignoring interruption). And if he is respectable and
well-to-do, I'have no objection to his coming to see you ^»r^ a
week,

Martha. Please, marm, there's Jim Hearn, he's a joiner
makin' three an' sixpence a day. He's six foot one in his stocking-
feet, please marm, and he'll be glad enough to come to-morrow
night, I'll be bound.

Miss M. You can go now, Martha. (Exit Martha.) I wish
Martha had a little more maidenly reserve. (Closes door: returns
to F.)

Mary. Don't tell me about Mr. Peter, if it hurts you, dear
Miss Matty.

Miss M. (sitting in chair L.). My dear, I thought you knew
about our brother. Everybody in Cranford knows how wild he
was, always in scrapes. Poor boy, he was always so full of fun,
and so was I. (Chuckles.) We , were a pair. And Deborah —
poor dear — she was so proper — always reading and writing letters,
and thinking of the proprieties. Our father looked upon Deborah
as his right hand, and our mother — well — her duty seemed to con-
sist in getting Peter out of his scrapes. One day the boy passed
all bounds and played a trick on the people of Cranford, that was
discovered by my father. O, it was dreadful. My father flogged
him in the presence of the very people he had fooled. It was
just a harmless joke too. When my father stopped to take breath,
Peter said — •* Have you done enough, sir? " Then he made a low
bow to the spectators quite like a gentleman and h$ wjilked off,
and has never returned. ( IVipes her eyes,)

Mary, Of course he is dead.

10 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD.

Miss M. Well, I don't know. If he is, I ought to wear mourn-
ing, and if he isn't, I ought to expect him to return at any mo-
ment, and — I really don't know what to think.

Enter Martha, l. b.

Martha. Miss Barker is below, ma'am, shall she come up?

Miss M. Certainly, Martha. My dear I must change my
cap. Will you remain ? {Takes Mary's work; exit rapidly k.
Exit Martha, l. Enter Miss Barker, l. at once.)

Miss Barker (greeting Mary). Good-afternoon, my. dear
Miss Smith. Cranford society will be pleased to welcome you.
Did you have a pleasant journey ?

Mary. Thank you. Miss Barker. The ride over was delight-
ful.

Enter Miss Matty, hurriedly , with one cap on top of the other.

Miss M. Excuse me, Miss Barker, for keeping you waiting.
Mary, where are my spectacles? [y\.A.YCi finds them on table t and
hands them to her.) Thank you, my dear. (To Miss Barker.)
Pray be seated.

Miss B. I took the liberty to call, madam, to welcome Miss
Smith and to inquire for you. I hope, madam, you are enjoying
good health.

Miss M. You are very welcome. Miss Barker, and I am quite
well, yes, quite, quite well, thank you. And you ?

Miss B. (fanning herself), I am not as well as usual. Miss
Jenkyns. The accident to my poor Alderney has upset my
nerves.

^«/^r Martha, l. b., followed by Miss Pole ^«rt? Jessie.

Martha (at door^ announces). Miss Pole — Miss Brown.

\^Exit Martha.

Miss M. (coming forward). How do you do? I am very
glad to see you. (Greetings; hand-shaking.) Won't you be
seated ? ^

(Jessie sits at spinnet, Mary stands near. Miss Barker on
sofaK.\ Miss Pole, very erect » on stiff-backed chain.., Miss
Matty at tea-table c. )

Miss M. Miss Barker was just speaking of the accident to her
cow.

Miss P. (to Miss Barker). How is she? The cow, I mean.

Miss B. Thank you, madam, she is slowly recovering.

]\Tary. What happened to her?

Miss B. She fell into the lime-pit ; and O, Miss Smith, she
was a pitiable sight, when she came out. Not a hair on her. I
shed tears, when I beheld her, so naked, cold and miserable.

Miss P. Much better have had her killed.

Mary. What did you do?

Miss B. I thought of trying a bath of oil, but our good doctor

Tttfe lAt)lES 6t CfeANPOkfi. 11

advised me to make her a flannel waistcoat and flannel drawers,
if I wished to keep her alive.

(Jessie and Mary laugh.)

Miss P. Have you done so ?

Miss B. I have just finished the garments to-day, and she will
wear them to-morrow.

Mary and Jessie [laughing). How very droll.

Miss B. Dark-grey flannel, and she looks very well in them.

Miss P, I consider the whole thing ridiculous in the extreme.
The doctor was making a fool of you.

Miss M. Dear me ! I can't think our good doctor would —
would make a joke of so serious a matter.

Miss B. Indeed no. He was quite sober and dignified, and
told me just how to cut the garments.

Miss P. Bah ! Men will be men. My father was a man and
I know the sex pretty well.

Miss B. And yet madam, there are women who will marry
them.

Miss P. So much the worse for the women. Men are danger-
ous creatures.

Miss M. I don't deny. Miss Pole, that men are troublesome in
a house, but then in an emergency, a man is very dependable.

Miss P. Miss Jenkyns, don't talk nonsense. We ought to
congratulate ourselves, that so far we have escaped matrimony.
It argues great natural credulity in a woman, if she can't keep
herself from being married.

Miss M. Well. I don't know. Jessie, my dear, can't you
play something to us ?

Jessie. Certainly, if you wish. {Turns to spinnet. Plays
«« Annie Laurie " softly,)

(Miss M. nods to Mary, who rings bell gently, Martha appears
at door; nods at Mary then sees Miss Matty's two caps ; cov-
ers her face with her hand, laughs, and beckons Miss Matty
with vehement and awkward gesture. Miss Matty glides
out in consternation, returns almost immediately with cap set
right, followed by Martha with tea-tray. Miss Matty pours
tea, assisted by Mary.)

Miss M. You will let me give you some tea. Miss Betty ?

Miss B. Thank you. (Mary passes tea)

Miss U., (to Jessie when she stops playing). Thank you, dear.
That was very sweet. Now let me give you a cup of tea.
Martha, the cakes, please. (Martha passes cakes, awkwardly.
Occasionally nudging a lady- to attract attention.)

Miss P. [to Mary who gives her a cup). No, no sugar.

Miss B. The Hon. Mrs. Jamieson always takes two lumps of
sugar in //^rtea.

Miss M. She was probably brought up to indulge in Inxurica,

11 TMe ladi£s of CRAI^FORD. •

Miss P. More likely she's got a sweet tooth. Have you heard
about the Bank? [Exit Martha.

Miss B. No. What Bank? Don't tell us that anything else
has happened in Cranford.

Miss P. [to Miss B.). The Town and County Bank,

Enter Martha tuiih two letters which, she gives to Mary. Mary
hands one to Miss Matty, who rises and comes forward.

Miss M. Will you excuse me, ladies. [Opens letter.) It is a
very civil invitation, asking me to attend an important meeting of
the shareholders of the Town and County Bank. So you see,
ladies, it is all right. I am sure it is very kind of them to remem-
ber me. Whom is your letter from, Mary.

Mary [seriously), O, I am so sorry, Miss Matty. My father
thinks the Bank is in a very bad way.

Miss P. [standing). Stopped payment. Heard it this after-
noon. I should say it was a serious matter. I hope you haven't
much in the Bank, Matilda ?

(Miss M. sits c. dismayed; Mary stands R. c, Jessie l. c, Miss
P. stands L., Martha appears at door l. b. wiping her eyes
with apron.)

Miss B. [rising l.). O, Miss Matty, don't say that you are
ruined.

Miss M. If that bank goes wrong, I shall lose one hundred
and forty -nine pounds, thirteen shillings, and four pence a yean
I shall only have thirteen pounds left.

Girls [kneeling beside her and taking her hands). O, Miss Matty !

Miss P. One never knows when one is safe in these days.

Miss B. What will you do, Miss Matty?

Miss M. I don't 'know, dears. I'm not a great manager, but
I suppose I shall get along some way. I hope it isn't wrong —
not wicked — but oh ! I am so glad poor Deborah is spared this.
She couldn't have borne to come down in the world. She had
such a noble, lofty spirit.

CURTAIN.

ACT 11.

SCENE. — Same as Act /. Spinnet closed. Table R. P. with cloth
— the table plain t rather long, with scales for weighings tumblers
filled with colored candy ^ lozenges^ peppertninis, acid drops, etc.
Box or chest of tea, beside table to F. Chair for Miss Matty,
and any little accessories to make r. side of room look like a shop.
Desk on table. The paper path now extends to this table and
across the F. for customers to stand upon. Martha discovered
dusting room. Broom and dustpan on chair L.

Martha (at counter^ r.). Well, now, missus do seem real
happy, and the bit things to sell takes up the poor dear lady's
mind. But it's lucky Jim Hearn married me so's to look after
her, or she'd be a starvin' this blessed minute, for sellin' over-
weight and under-price, out o' the kindness of her 'art.

{^Bell rings, Martha goes to door L. b. Enter Mary Smith.)

Mary. How do you do, Martha ? And how is Miss Matty ?
And where is she ?

Martha. D^ar me, miss, you do be-juggle one, with your
questions all on top one another. Miss Matty she's well, an'
she's in her room — an' as for I — well — I've married Jim, and
that's all there is to it.

Mary. ' But Martha

Martha. Don't " but Martha " me

Mary. Well ?

Martha. I'm glad you begin with a **weir* — 'cause that's
how it turned out. I must allow that I took Jim Hearn, as it
was by the collar, an' I marched him into Miss Jenkyns* parlor
— this same parlor as you sees, and Jim was that dazed he walked
all over the new carpet. He was that flabbergasted, he never
said a word for himself.

Mary. Why what did you expect him to say ?

Martha. The great oaf! I expected him to tell missus as
how he was a-dyin' to marry me off-hand, and that he and I
wanted to take a boarder !

Mary. A boarder?

Martha. Yes, miss, a boarder. Some body 'd got to support
missus. And there he stood, like a great fool ; and never said a
word ! and him an axin' and an axin' me, up to that blessed min-
ute to set the day. Well, I set it, then and there.

Mary. Martha, you're a trump.

Martha. Well, I won't say as I didn't feel like sinkin'

13

14 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD.

through the floor, when Jim held back and said, ** he dare say
he shouldn't mind, when 'twas all over, but as how marriage
nails a man." Them's his very words,

Mary. And still you persisted ?

Martha. Laws'yes. Jim was all right. I told missus it was
the suddenness of the joy, as overtook him, and missus she says
— so serious-like — " Marriage is a very solemn thing, Martha."
Jim, he argued — but we fixed the day all right. Now you see, we
both live liere and we takes good care o* the place and Missus.

Enter Miss Matty, r., in her bonnet and shawl. Martha ab-
ruptly returns to her dusting, Maky greets Miss Matty.

Miss M. My dear, dear girl, have you just arrived ? lam
so glad to see you.

Mary. Dear Miss Matty, how cosy it all seems !

Miss M. {whispeting). Did you see the sign over the door?

Mary. I never noticed it.

Martha. Hm ! Of course you wouldn't. Letters too small.
I'd a had 'em good an' big.

Miss M. Martha! {To Mary.) You see Mary, I didn't
want to attract too much attention. Come and look.

(They go to doorYi. B., yifiiKiH A following,)

Mary, [reads). "Matilda Jenkyns, licensed to sell Tea."
That is very modest indeed.

Miss M. (to Mary, returning, c). I wonder if Deborah cares
so very much — where she is, if I'm not genteel. (Martha re-
mains at D. shaking duster.)

Mary [giving her a kiss). O, Miss Matty.

Miss M. There is one comfort, my dear, men never buy tea.
I should be so afraid if one of them should come blustering in

( Martha has stepped out of sight. Loud smack heard*)

Miss M. Dear — dear me ! What was that ?

Mary. What, Miss Matty. What did you hear?

Miss M. (her eyes round with dismay). It sounded like

Enter Martha, looking rosy.

Miss M. Martha, I heard something just now — outside and it
sounded like

Martha. Kissin' ma'am?

Miss M. Martha, how can you speak so lightly of so solemn a
matter ?

Martha. It was only Jim, kissin' me good-bye — and — please
ma'am — we're married — you know.

Miss M. Yes — yes I know — but somehow it — it shocks one's
nerves a little — 'Ves — a — little.

Martha {aside y picking up broom and going off). The poor
innocent 1

THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 1 5

Miss M. [to Mary). You will make yourself at home my dear
and excuse me while I call on our good Mr. Johnson.

Mary. O certainly.

Miss M, You see, I am selling so much tea, Mary, that I am
afraid it may detract from his trade, and I want to ask him if he
minds. I couldn't bear to injure Azm in any way, you know.
Good-bye, dear. \£xt^ L. B.

Mary \untying bonnet). Poor dear Miss Matty. {^Removes
bonnet, and mantilla ; puts them on sfiinnet. Bell rings ; Mary
goes to doorh. B. I^nter JESSIE.)

Mary [embracing Jessie). You see, I have come back.

Jessie. Cranford draws'you like a magnet.

Mary. Do you like it any better.?

Jessie. Well, I should not care to live here always, but,
Mary, they are dear good people. Do you know what your old
ladies have done ?

Mary. You mean to help Miss Matty ?

Jessie. Yes. Miss Pole started it. They met at her house,
«.all excepting Mrs. Jamieson. Miss Pole waited for her sometime,
then opened the meeting thus. [Imitates Miss Pole.) ** We, the
ladies of Cranford in my drawing-room assembled, can resolve on
something, I imagine. We are none of us what may be called
rick, though we all possess a genteel competency, sufficient for
tastes that are elegant and refined, and we would not if we could,
be vulgarly ostentatious." Isn't that good, Mary ?

Mary. Capital ! Well, what did they do ?

Jessie. Do, that is the grand part. They each contributed
what they could spare out of their yearly incomes in a sealed en-
velope, and they have asked me to present these envelopes to you
(gives Mary several envelopes) in order that your father may take
cnarge of the affair, and give the money to Miss Jenkyns in such a
way that she shall never know from whence it comes.

Mary (wiping her eyes). The dear old ladies. [Puts letters in
piano.) Jessie, do they ever say anything here about Miss Matty's
brother Peter ?

Jessie. Not a word.

Mary. Do you know what I've done?

Jessie. No, what?

Mary. I've written to him.

Jessie. How do you know whether he is alive ?

Mary. I don't.

Jessie. Or where to address the letter ?

Mary. I didn't.

Jessie. Then what do you expect to come of it ?

Mary: I don't know. »

[Bell rings ; Martha enters R. b., goes to doorL. b.)
Martha. A customer, miss. [Exit Martha, l. b.

(Enter Jenny with large bouquet: walks on paper path to

l6 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD.

counter: stops in front, MAry darts behind table; JESSIE
laughs. )

Jenny (bobbing curtsey). Granny sent these posies, please
ma'am, and said as how she'd like a pound o' tea.

Mary [taking flowers). Are these flowers for Miss Jenkyns ?
Jenny. Aye, they be.
Mary. Jessie, come help me.

(Business of weighing tea, Jessie puts flowers in glass on table.
Bell rings. )

Martha [announces). Miss Pole — Mrs. Forrester.

(Mary and Jessie come forward. Greet ladies. Jessie returns
and makes up package of tea. Ladies politely ignore the shop
during etitire call. Miss Pole sitting l. and never looking
toward table R. Business with child in paying for tea, etc.,
during following conversation.)

m

Miss P. (greeting Mary). When did you come?

Mary. I have just arrived.

Mrs. F. What did you say, dear, came yesterday ?
"Mary (louder). No, to-day, Mrs. Forrester.

Mrs. F. Eh !

Mary. To-day. (Offers chairs i.. y.\ sit.)

Mrs. F. (to Mary). I hoped to find you, my dear. (Patting
Mary's hand and whispering.) A little matter of business, you
understand ?

Mary (nodding). All right.

Miss Pole. Where is Matilda ?

Mary. Miss Matty will be here directly. By the way. Miss
Pole, Jessie and I were just speaking of Mr. Peter Jenkyns. What
was the very last thing heard of him ?

Miss P. Several years ago. Miss Smith, we heard that he was
elected Great Lama of Thibet, whatever that may be.

Mrs. F. What did you say ? Whom were you speaking of?

Mary (loudly to Mrs. F.). Mr. Peter.

Mrs. F. O yes. Peter Jenkyns. He was elected Great Lama
of something. Do you think the veiled prophet in Lalla Rookh
was meant for the Great Lama ?

Miss P. Nonsense, Mrs. Forrester. I don't believe there's a
word of truth in the report. A llama is a beast of burden.

Mrs. F. a beast did you say? O, no. Peter was quite the
gentleman, and not so ugly either only for his freckles.

Miss P. I said, a llama was a beast.

Mrs. F. What kind of a beast, Miss Pole?

Miss P. Well, I'm not sure. I don't know whether they are
carnivorous or

Martha (announces l. b.). Miss Barker.

Mary (meeting her). How do you do, Miss Barker. (Miss

THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 1 7

B. bows to Jessie. Mary offers chair.) Miss Matty will be here
presently.

Mrs. F. Perhaps Miss Barker can tell us about the llama.
Whether he is a carnivorous or [hesitates.)

Miss P. A graminivorous beast ?

Miss B, (^hesitating). 1 — I — am sure, ladies, that the Hon,
Mrs. Jamieson would know.

Miss P. But she isn't here.

Mrs. F. I always get confused between carnivorous and

graminivorous, just as 1 do between horizontal and perpendicular.

\Rising and speaking apologetically.) But then in my day the only

use people made of four syllabled words was to teach one how to

• spell them. Mary, my dear, (}Aa.ky follows R. F.)

Mrs. F. [to Jessie/ aside). Miss Jessie, have you given Mary
the envelopes ? * ♦

Jessie. Indeed yes.

Mary. It is so kind of you all.

Mrs. F. [trembling and tearful). My dear I — I came to tell
you, that — that the amount of my contribution is very, very small,
but my dear so is my income — and — my love and regard for Miss
Matty — are not at all in proportion to my gift. I gave, my dear,
every penny 1 could spare, and — and not suffer — privation.

Mary [patting her hand). It is very moble of you, dear Mrs.
Forrester.

Mrs. F. I do so wish 1 was rich. Good-bve, dear. Good-morn-
ing. ( To Miss Pole and Miss Barker, who have been conversing
with each other. Exit L. B.)

Miss B. The Hon. Mrs. Jamieson once said she believed a
great Lama was a sort oi prince.

Miss P. Prince or no prince, if Peter Jenkyns is on the face ot
this earth, he ought to come home and take care of his sister.

Mary. But when was it, you heard that Mr.

Enter Miss Matty, l. b. meeting Jenny going out with pack-
age of tea.

Miss M. How do you do, Jenny. Some more tea, for Granny?

Jenny [with curtsey). Yes, Miss.

Miss M. [to Jenny). Good-bye, dear. O, Miss Pole, how do
you do, and Miss Barker. [Shakes hands.)

Mary. And Jessie ?

Miss M. And Miss Jessie. I am sorry to have been delayed.
(To Mary.) It is all riglit, my dear. Mr. Johnson doesn't object
in the least. ( 7b Miss Pole.) Have you been here long?

Miss P. Only the matter of a few minutes.
I| * Miss M. And, Mary, you are sure that you gave the child

good measure ? [Removing bonnet.)

Mary. Jessie weighed the tea.
I Miss M. I always put in a little extra, for fear the scales may

be incorrect. [Puts bonnet and shaivl on piano.) \

l8 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD.

Enter Martha, l. b.

Martha. A gentleman to see Miss Jessie.

Miss M. A gentleman? Where is he?

Miss P. A gentleman, did you say?

Martha. I said so, ma'am, and he's in the dining-room.

Jessie. O Mary, can it be ? It can't be ?

Mary [leading Jessie). It can be, Jessie, and it is/

Martha. This way, miss. [7b door R. b. £xii Jessie.
Mary waves hand and returns. )

Miss P. [to Miss Matty). I hope it's all right.

Miss B. It's a great many years, since any one received a
gentleman caller in Cranford.

Miss M. You are sure he is a gentleman, Martha ?

Martha [returning to door l. b.). Indeed, ma'am, it's my
opinion he's more than a gentleman.

Miss P. What does she mean ?

Martha. I means, ma'am, that he's got the look of a sodjer
about him, aye, an' an orficer, too.

Miss P. Goodness gracious! What's going to happen next?

[Bell rings. Martha meets Mrs. Purkis and little Susan at
doorL, B.)

Martha [announces). Customers, ma'am.

[Exit Martha, l. b.

Miss M. [to Mrs. Purkis, who advances 07t paper path, pushing
little Susan along in front). How do you do, Mrs. Purkis?

Mrs. p. Right hearty, ma'am, an' I hope you're the same.

Miss M. And this is little Susan. [Patting her on the head,)
Are you well, dear ?

Susan [bobbing curtsey). Yes, ma'am, thank you, ma'am. I
do be right well.

(Mrs. Purkis nudges Susan, who hangs her head and seems shy.)

Mrs. Purkis. Speak up now, Susan, like a lady.

Susan [offering basket of apples). Please ma'am — ifitdunnot
be takin* a liberty will ye be so kind as to — as to

Mrs. Purkis. Go on Susan, ye're doin' fine.

Susan. as to accept of these apples growed in our garden.

Miss M. Thank you, my dear little girl, that was very prettily
said. Did you hear, Mary ?

(Miss P. and Miss B. again converse, l. p., always conscious of
transections, but apparently oblivious.)

Mary (taking apples, which she places on table). Good child!

Mrs. Purkis [to Miss Matty, who goes behind table). And
here. Miss Jenkyns, is the matter of a few new-laid eggs. My old
man sends 'em, an' hopes they'll strengthen ye, he do.

Miss M. [taking eggs). My friends are so kind, Mrs. Purkis.
Now what can I do for you ?

THE LADIES OF CftAKFOkO. 1^

Mrs. Purkis. Well, if you don't mind, Miss Jenkyns, I would
liken a pound o* that good green tea.

Miss M. So soon, Mrs. Purkis ? Don't you tliink you are using
a great deal of tea? It is so unwholesome to drink too mucli —
and then^reen tea is the most injurious as well as the most expen-
sive.

Mrs. Purkis. I know, ma'am, but we are that fond of it.

Mary. Miss Matty, let me get the tea.

(Mary fakes Miss Matty* sJf/aeedeAm^/ad/e, Miss M. returns
to guests, Mary makes business of weighing tea, taking
money, etc.)

Miss P. [to Miss B.). Of course there may be something in it.

Miss B. Mrs. Jamieson said, only yesterday, that she thought
it about time that Jessie Brown left off her dimples, and stopped
trying to look* young, for she'd never get a husband in Cranford.

Miss P. Stuff and nonsense. I don't believe that she wants a
husband.

Miss M. I am sorry to be so interrupted

Miss P. (rising). I came to bojjow your receipt for sponge bis-
cuit. Miss Matty.

Miss M. O, yes, it is all ready for you. Let me see — O, yes, I
put ft under the peppermint lozenges.

( Gets receipt for M iss Pole. )

Miss B. [rising). Miss Jenkyns, I hope you will not think it
presumptuous in me, that is

Mary [to little Susan). An ounce of almond paste, did you
say?

%\iS,AX{ [curtseys). Yes, miss. [VlXKY weighs paste.)

Miss B. My former occupation considered, will you. Miss
Matty, excuse the liberty

Miss M. [distracted between guests an{i customers). Put in an
extra piece, Mary.

Mary. But it weighs too much now.

Miss M. I know, but the little dears love it so.

Miss P. It's very indigestible.

Miss B. I wish, madam, to invite you and of course Miss
Smith, as she is here, to a card party at my house on Tuesday
next.

Miss M. [curtseying). We shall be most happy to accept.
[Hurries to table, empties' contents of tumbler into Susan's hands,
who is Just departing with her mother.) Here, dear, these pepper-
mints will keep the almond paste from disagreeing with you.
Good-bye, dear. \Exeunt Mvi^, P. a«^ Susan, l. b.

Miss B. And you. Miss Smith ?

Mary [curtseying). I shall be most happy to come. Miss Barker.

Miss B. Miss Pole has already accepted.

Miss M. [returning from doori.. b.). Mrs. Jamieson is coming,
I think you said.

• » • • • • •

• ••.•• •

20 TUB LADIfeS 0^ CRANFORD.

Miss 6. I did not say so. But it is a fact. Mrs. Jamiesott
most kindly and condescendingly said she would be happy to
come. One little stipulation she made, that she should bring Carlo.
I told her that if I had a weakness it was for dogs.

Miss P. I hate dogs.

Miss M. And Mrs. Forrester, of course?

Miss B. 1 am going to ask Mrs. Forrester. Although her cir-
cumstances .are changed, madam, she was bom 2l Tyrrell. But,
of course, I could not tyink of asking her until I had asked you,
madam, the rector's daughter, nmdam.

Miss M. Mrs. Fitz-Adam^ — Isuppose —

Miss B. No, madam. I must draw the hne somewhere. Mrs.
Jamieson would not, I think, Hke to meet Mrs. Fitz-Adams. She
IS hardly fit society for such ladies as Mrs. Jamieson and Miss
Matilda Jenkyns. {^Low bow to Miss Matty.)

Miss P. Miss Betty tol4 me it was to be a choice and select
few.

Miss M. So I understand.

{^During following lines of Miss B. enter in single file SuSAN,
James ««^ Jennie, l. b., ixMlk on tiptoe to front of counter and
stand facing counter, expectant,^

Miss B. May I beg you to come as near half-past six, to my
little dwelling, as possible. Miss Matilda? Mrs. Jamieson dines at
five, but has kindly promised not to delay her visit beyond that
time — half-past six.

<

(Miss Barker makes deep curtsey to Miss Matty, who also
curtseys, while Miss Pole and Mary, one l. the other R., also
curtsey. Miss Matty sees children, and recovering herself
hurries behind the counter, with a faint ** Excuse me, ladies,'*
and Martha at the same time enters precipitately at R., and
with both hands on end of counter, facing audience, speaks mys"
teriously to Miss Matty. The children stand as in illustration
page 2o6 of the novel. )

Martha. Missus, I thought as how I ought to tell you seein*
as it's a happenin' in your house.

Miss B. What is it?

Miss M. O, Martha, not robbers ?

Miss P. Is the house on fire ?

Martha. No, by no means, ma'am. But that orficer man,
he's got his arm around Miss Jessie's waist !

Miss P. O, goodness me !

Miss B. Madam, how dreadful !

Miss M. (smiling and looking very wise). My dears, I really
believe it is the most proper place in the world for that gentleman's
arm to be in.

(All look astonished but Mary, who claps her hands,)

QUICK CURTAIN,

;• -*

ACT III.

SCENE. — Miss Barker's parlor. Plainly furnished, not so many
signs of past elegance as in Miss Matty's room. Piano across
B. C. Door L. F. Table R. C. Small stand R. F. Large arm-
chair with footstool L. F. A large screen across l. b., behind
which the ladies remove wraps and bonnets, and prepare for the
evening. Bring caps in oldfashioned band-boxes. The calash is
worn over the cap, A mirror may be hung on wall L. , behind
screen ; all arranged so that the audience can see the prinking.
Chairs R. F. and about room. Door'R, B. Candelabras on piano
and table t two tall candlesticks on mantel R. One candle lighted.
Miss Betty discovered giving directions to Peggy.

Peggy. The parlor do look beautiful, missus.

Miss B. O, Peggy, how careless ; that candle has burned too
long. (Peggy darts at candle, and blows it out,) Now hurry,
Peggy, and light the other one. If they are uneven, the ladies
might think we only burned one when we were alone.

Peggy {lighting candle), O, ma'am, they'd never be that dis-
cernin*.

Miss B. Is the supper all right ?

Peggy. Indeed, ma'am, it's coom out fine.

Miss B. [smiling). And the little Cupids, how do they look ?

Peggy. Them macaroons has sopped the brandy, till it just
makes your mouth water to look at *em. (Smacks lips.)

Miss B, Then everything is ready. Now get your spill and at
the first knock, light the candles.

(Peggy gets lamp-lighter; knocking heard. Peggy starts to door L. )

Miss B. O, wait, Peggy, wait till I've run upstairs and washed
my hands. (Peggy returns, lights taper at burning candle and
proceeds to light others.) When I cough, open the door. I'll not
be a minute.

(Exit Miss B. , r. Knocking heard again. Miss Barker coughs.
Peggy stands c. , smiling: at sound of cough darts to door L.
Ushers in Miss Pole and Mrs. Forrester.)

Peggy. This way, ladies.

{Shows them to space behind screen. Mrs. Forrester w^ars a
calash, which she removes. Miss Pole brings cap in band"
box. Removes bonnet and adjusts cap at mirror. Meantime
Miss Barker re-enters parlor r. and sits chair R. stately and
composed. )

21

7.1 TH£ LAD1£S Of CRAKFORO.

Peggy (announces). Miss Pole — Mrs. Forrester.
Miss P. After you, ma'am.

(Mrs. F. en/ers first Exit Peggy, l.)

Miss 13. (rising). Good-evening, ladies.

Mrs. F. and Miss P. (making deep curtseys). Good-evening

(Miss Barker offers chair next to large armchair to Mrs. i.
Miss Pole sits in armchair.)

Miss B. Not there, dear Miss Pole, not there. Allow me.
Miss P. (rising abruptly). O !

Miss B. (offering another chair). The seat of honor — ahem —
Mrs. Jamieson, you know.
Miss P. Excuse me. (Sits in chair offered,)

(Knocking heard,)

Miss B. Miss Jenkyns is a little late. I particularly mentioned
half after six.

(Peggy ushers Miss Jenkyns and Mary behind screen; same
business of preparation,)

Miss P. I think she has arrived.

Miss B. I do* hope Mrs. Jamieson will not keep us waiting.
The evenings are so short.

V^GGSi (announces). Miss Jenkyns — Miss Smith, \ExitVs,

Miss B. (greeting guests). Good-evening, ladies. Delighted, I
am sure.

(Offers chairs. Miss Jenkyns sits beside Mrs. F., Mary w^ar
Miss P., r.)

Miss B. Now there is only Mrs. Jamieson to come.

Mary (timidly). And Jessie Brown .?

Miss B. And Miss Jessie, of course.

Miss J^. What do you think. Miss Matty, what do you think of
that proceeding at your house the other day ?

Miss M. In regard to Miss Jessie ? Well, I — I think she is go-
ing to marry

Mrs. F. (interrupting). Eh — Marry? Miss Jessie?

Miss M. (slowly to Mrs. F.). Yes. Mrs. Forrester, I think
Jessie Brown is engaged to be married to Major Gordon, an officer
in her majesty's service.

Miss P. Don't you know.

Miss M. Ask Mary.

Mary. It is true. The engagement was announced to-day.

Miss B. Dear, dear me ! Two people that we know, going to
get married.

Miss M. It's coming very near.

Miss P. So near, that my heart stops beating.

Miss M. One doesn't know whose turn may come next.

Miss P. Pshaw ! (Knocking, )

THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 23

(Peggy usAers in Miss Jessie, w/io throws off her wrap, glances
in mirror, and enters at once, all the ladies expectant,)

Peggy. Miss Jessie Brown. [Exit Vkggy,

Enter Jessie ; Miss B. meets her, c. Deep curtseys.

Miss B. My dear miss, you are very welcome. Let me here
and now, my dear young lady — offer you my humble congrat-
ulations.

Miss J. (glancing at Mary). Thank you, indeed. Miss Barker,
you are very kind.

Miss P. [rising). And mine, Miss Jessie.

Mrs. F. [rising), ^ And mine.

Miss M. [rising),' You know, dear, you have mine.

Jessie. Ladies, you overwhelm me. You are very, very kind.

(Escapes to Mary, r. f. All sit.)

Mrs. F. And when is it to be, my dear? The wedding I
mean.
Jessie. Major Gordon says in one month from now.
Miss P. You lake my breath away.
Miss B. Shall you live in Cranford?

Jessie. O no. Major Gordon rtturns to India in six weeks.
Miss M. And Cranford is to lose a charming young lady.

Miss B. But she still has

Peggy [announces loudly). The Hon. Mrs. Jamieson.

Enter Mrs. J. with slow and stately tread, leading Carlo on a
string. All rise.

Miss B. [with deep curtsey). And now my little dweUing is in-
deed honored . [All curtsey. )

Mrs. J. [slowly). Good-evening, ladies.

(Glances about with eyeglass. Miss Barker indicates armchair ,

L. F.)

Mrs. J. Shall I sit here ?

Miss 13. If it so pleases you, dear madam.

Mrs. J. And Carlo?

Miss B. (anxiously). Would he like an armchair?

Mrs. J. O, no. He can sit on my lap for the present.

(All sit as soon as Mrs. J. has made herself comfortable,)

Mrs. J. [putting up her eyeglass). Is that Jessie Brown?

Miss B. It is, Mrs. Jamieson.

Mrs. J. Her dimples have carried the day — eh ?

[All smile; a little titter. Enter FEGGVf doorK., with tray and
tea thinrs which she places on table. Miss Barker arranges
teacups^ {Exit Peggy, r.

Miss M. [to Mrs. J.). We Jiave all been congratulating Miss
Jessie on her engagement^

24 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD.

VIks,], (drawling). Well — I — don't know. India is very un-
healthy. Lie down, Carlo. [Puts Carlo on floor,)

Enter Peggy with small tray, and plates on which are oysters ana
biscuits, ready to serve.

Miss B. Wliat have we here, Peggy ?

Peggy. Oysters, ma'am.

Miss B. Oysters? Shell-fish — O yes. [Takes a plate herself
and passes it to Mrs. Jamieson. Peggy /^5^5 to others.) Allow
me, madam, to serve you, myself.

Mrs. J. Oysters? No, thank you. Miss Barker, I have just
dined.

Miss B. Will you not honor my humble abode, madam, by
tasting them ?

Mrs. J. No. [Examining the plate with eyeglass,) No, thank
you, they look very nice, but I have dined. ^

Miss B. Mrs. Jamieson has just dined, ladies. If you will ex-
cuse me, I will order a more tempting dish for Mrs. Jamieson.
Peggy — bring some little Cupids.

[Veggy passes plate /^ Mrs. J., <?« which are two macaroons.)

Mrs. J. [accepting). Thank you. [Nibbles macaroons,)

(Mary, Jessie and Miss P., r. f. All are served. Miss
Barker sits at tea-table, pouring tea.)

Miss B. My dear Mrs. Jamieson, will you take sugar and
cream in your tea ?

Mrs. J. Two lumps of sugar, Miss Barker, but no cream. I
never take cream.

Miss B. O, excuse me.

(Peggy passes tea to Mrs. J., taking away plate. Passes tea to
others. Carlo barks. ^

Miss B. O, the poor 'ittie doggy — I'm forgetting him. Would
he like some supper ?

Mrs. J. Just pass me an extra saucer — if you please. (Peggy
brings saucer.) Put it there. [Indicates floor, c.) Now the
cream-jug. [^'E.ggx brings jug.)

Mrs. J. (pointing to saucer). Now fill the saucer. (Peggy
pours little.) YWX it up — fill it up. Carlo is very fond of cream.
(Peggy pours more. Carlo laps it. )

Peggy [returning jug to Miss B.). Do you mind that,
ma'am ?

Miss B. (shaking head at Y.), Sh — it* sail right, Peggy. [Sigh-
ing,) It's all right.

[All drink tea ; Vkggx passes cakes to MYt,^.].),

Mrs. J. [examining plate). Seed cakes always remind me of

THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 1^

scented soap. However, I'll take one, if you please. Here,
Carlo. ( Otves bit to dog. )

Miss F. {to Jessie). 1 can't match that pink shade of Shetland
wool anywhere.

Jessie. My uncle keeps a shop in Edinboro*

Miss B. {hastily interrupting ^ while all cast dismayed glances at
Mrs. J., who is throwing bits of cake to Carlo), My dear Miss
Jessie, can't you give us some music. (Aside.) Peggy, take
Miss Jessie's cup.

Miss M. Do, dear, do give us some music.

Jessie. Certainly, in a moment. (To Miss Pole.) My uncle
has a fine assortment of Shetland wools. I will send tor the shade
you want. (Ibises.)

Miss B. Will you sing? Miss Smith will play for you, I am
sure.

(Mary goes to piano, Jessie sings ** Jack O' Hazledean,** stand--

ing, R. F. Ladies beat time, some of them off the measure.

Peggy quietly removes tray, etc., during song, entices Carlo

away, carrying him off, R. B. Brings pack of cards and places

on table R. at close of song.)

Miss B. Thank you, my dear miss. Now how shall we make
a pool. ( Counting ladies. )

Miss Smith. Leave me out, please, Miss Barker.

Jessie. And me, too. I really do not know the game.

Mrs. F. Eh. What is it? Preference?

Miss B. / will look on, ladies. For really I can't tell Spadille
from Manille.

(Heavy snore heard. Mrs. J. is fast asleep.)

Miss B. Sh. We will not disturb Mrs. Jamieson. (Takes
candle to small table, R. F.) Young ladies, perhaps you can
amuse yourselves with some books. Here is Pickwick. (Peggy
brings book.) Or cribbage. (Peggy brings cribbage board.)

(The four ladies. Miss P., Miss M., Mrs. F., and Miss B. settle
themselves at card table, R. c. Shuffle and deal cards. Play
excitedly, nbdding heads vigorously. See illustration, page 1 22. )

Miss B. It is very gratifying to me, very gratifying indeed to
see how completely Mrs. Jamieson feels at home in my poor little
dwelling. (Loud snore.) She could not have paid me a greater
compliment.

Mrs. F. Ombre and Quadrille.

Miss M. Jack's up.

Miss P. A fig for his heels.

Miss B. Hush, ladies — if you please — hush. Mrs. Jamieson
is asleep. (To Mrs. Y .in loud whisper, making motions ivith lips,)
I said — hush — if you please, hush — Mrs. Jamieson is asleep.
(Loud snore. Ladies continue to play. )

Mary (to Jessie). Are you gladf to leave Cranford ?

0.6 THE tADlES OF CkAJjPOftft.

Jessie. Glad, and sorry. They have been very kind to me
here. I shall like to come back.

Mary. Yes, Cranford is a good place to visit. And some-
times, (arcAfy) things haj^pen — even here.

Miss P. Basto, ma'am, you have Spadille.

Mrs. J. [rousing). Eh. What did you say?

Enter Peggy with tray containing decanter and glasses. Ladiei
throw down cards. Peggy places tray on table.

Miss B. (rising). What have we now, Peggy ?

Mrs. J. The room is so light. 1 was glad to close my eyes.

Miss B. {pouring glass of cherry brandy). Allow me Mrs.
Jamieson. It is quite harmless, I assure you. Just a little home-
made cherry brandy. (Mrs. J. accepts glass.)

Miss M. {refusing). No, no, I thank you.

Mrs. F . Cherry brandy ? I think not, thank you !

Miss B. O, please, just a leetle, leetle glass, ladies. After
oysters, you know. Shell-fish are sometimes thought unwhole-
some.

Miss M. {relenting). Then a very, very little drop.

[All accept, a7id sip, quackle and choke,)

Miss P. It *s very strong. I do believe there's spirit in it.

Miss B. Only a little drop, just necessary to make it keep.

Miss M. We put brandy paper over preserves to make them
keep.

Miss B. I often feel quite tipsy myself, from eating damson
tart.

Mrs. J. (having swallowed the contents of her glass, and rumi-
nated for a moment). My sister-in-law. Lady Gle<imire, is coming
to stay with me.

All. Indeed.

Peggy (at door l.). Sedan chair for Mrs. Jamieson.

Mrs. J. (slowly rising). Miss Barker, will you tell your maid to
bring Carlo.

\^Exit Peggy r., re-enters with Carlo, Gofs behind screen.

Mrs. J. Good-night. I have passed a very pleasant evening.
(Slow curtsey. ) Good-night.

[Exity^KS. J. behind screen.

All (rise and curtsey). Good -night.

Miss B. (aside to ladies), I really think she means it. I think
she has enjoyed herself. Very gratifying, indeed.

[Exit Mrs. J. door, l.

Miss B. Shall we have another game ofcards, ladies?

Miss M. Isn't it too late ?

Mrs. F. I'm afraid it is.

Miss P. It must be nearly nine o'clock.

Veggy (at door 1.,), Mrs. Forrester's maid.

Miss B. (/^ Mrs. F.). Your maid has come for yoi«.

THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 2/

Mrs. F. My maid. I must go directly.

Miss B. Shall you walk, Mrs. Forrester?

Mrs. F. O, yes. I prefer to walk, the air is so refreshing.

Miss M. And the stars are so bright.

Teggy (at door). Til tell her.

Martha [outside). No you won't. I'll tell her myself.

Enter Martha, breathless, carrying a large lantern.

Martha Uo Miss Matty, who stands c). O, missus, come
home, come nome. There's a gintleman to see you.

Miss M. A gentleman f To see me ? At this time o' night ?
O, Martha, you must be mistaken.

(Consternation, Mary slips behind screen and gets Miss M.'s
bonnet and shawl, )

Miss B. O—

Mrs. F. Dear me.

Miss P. What can she mean ?

Martha. It's true as gospel. He's a sittin* in missus* parlor
this blessed minute, an' he said I was to bring her as quick as
ever I could.

Miss M. O, dear, what shall I do?

Miss P. Do, Miss Matty. Get your bonnet on, and go home
as fast as ever you can, and see what it means.

Miss B. I hope, madam, that you will find nothing wrong.

Miss M. Mary, my dear, where are you?

Mary (approaching with wraps). Here, Miss Matty.

Miss M. O, do you think, my dear, that — that my brother can
have returned ?

Mary. We will go and see.

Miss M. Martha, is he a ^^««^man, — straight and tall, with
very black hair ?

Martha. Laws, no, missus. He's risin* seventy an* his hair*s
as white as snow.

Miss M. (decidedly). Then it can't be Peter,

Martha. Yes, it can, ma'am.

Miss P. What do you mean, Martha?

(Mary and Jessie., r. c, are hastily dressing Miss M., c. who is
very agitated, Martha, l. c. Miss P., r., Mrs. F. andMiss
B., L. Veggy peeking in door.)

Martha. The gentleman said, ma'am, as how I was not to
startle missus, or to speak sudden, but to break it to her gently
and just say, ** Peter s come back,'* an' then to bring her home as
fast as ever I could.

Miss M. O, do you hear, my dear friends, do you hear? My
brother has returned. My brother Peter has come back. My—
(bursts into tears and sits Abruptly C. )

MARYf Th^re, there, Miss Matty,

28 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD.

Jessie. We will take you home, dear Miss Matty.

Miss B. Calm yourself, madam, calm yourself.

Mrs. F. Dear, dear ! To think that now you will have some
one to take care of you.

Jessie. And at last, there will be a man in Cranford.

Miss P. A man in Cranford. It will be a great experiment.

Miss M. (rising; quite composed), I know, my dears. I know
— but, O, I am sure we shall all find it very comforting. [Taking
Mary's hand,) Come, Mary.

QUICK CURTAIN.

Note. — A very effective ending may be made in this manner.
At Miss M.'s exclamation, *' Come, Maryy^ exeunt, L., Miss M.,
Mary and Jessie, preceded by Martha, holding lantern high to
light the passage.

Miss P. An exciting ending to your party. Miss Barker.
Good-night.

Miss B. Good-night.

\Rxit Miss P. abruptly, l. , conducted by Peggy.

Mrs. F. Dear, dear me ! I have kept my maid waiting a long
time. Good-night, Miss Barker. I have enjoyed myself exceed-
ingly. Good-night.

\Exit Mrs. F., l., also conducted by Peggy, who reappears.

Miss B. (c.J. Yes, I think that they have enjoyed themselves.
But O! how tired I am. (Goes to chair, L. F.) And Mrs. Jami-
son, the Hon. Mrs. Jamison, has sat here! (Patting the chair.)
Here — in my humble abode. (Sits carefully and respectfully in
chair.) My card party has been very sat-is-fac-tory. (Yawns.)
Very! (Drops asleep.)

Peggy (returns; sees her mistress ; mutters). Poor dear old
thing ! (Proceeds, on tiptoe, to blow out candles one by one.)

SLOW CURTAIN.

^•*"

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A Farce in Two Acts

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A Comedy in One Act

Bj Alice C. Thompson

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A Farce in One Act

Bj Helen Sherman Griffith

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A RUSSIAN ROMANCE

A DRAMA IN THBEE ACTS
For Female Characters only

By Helen Kane

Author q/"** A Point of Honob," eie.

Sixteen female characters. Scenes, two interiors ; oosttunes modem.
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Price. 25 cents
CHARACTERS

Mlle. Sannom {Olga Pttrwna\ a Mrs. Tbemaine, cousin to Mn. Will'

Russian Tefugte. ner; a ** manager."

Madame Ionatieff, w^feofike Bus- Lady Gray, vn/e of English Amba»'

sian A mbassador. sador.

Madame .Luvofp wije qf Attach^, Madame de Fa YSUSEyU^e^^reftcA

Russian Embassy. Minister.

Callers at Sen-
ator Winner's
' This r.umber nay
beinc'eai ^4ifd&»
sirahle.

Mrs. AVillner, wife ^ Senator ^ — m Mrs. Weston,

kindly aiul inconseqvsnt. Mrs. Ellett,

Asen ATH, her daughter, aged eighteen; Mi ss VE Lorme,

ronmntic hut loyal. Miss FAIRFAX,

Lorn A, her '*Baby** aged six; rebel- Miss de PeysterJ

lious — " enfant terrible." Sasha, maid at Russian LegaUk. k

HULDAH, maid to Mrs. Willner,

SYNOPSIS

ACT I. Scene 1. —At Senator Willner's. Olgi (Mlle. Saxmom) arrivM
in America, in search of her brother.

Scene 2. — The same. She ** manages " the " unmanageable."

ACT XL Scene 1. — *♦ Calling day^* at Senator Willner's. Ol^a meets
an old friend, and is seen by her enemy.

Scene 2. — At the Russian Embassy. Story of the escape from Siberia.
The enemy threatens.,

ACT III. Scene 1. — At the Embassy again. Olga meets her enemy.

Scene 2. — At Mrs. Willner's. The enemy conquered.

THE LAND OF HEART'S DESIRE

A FAIRY PLAY

By W. B. YeaU

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/

raSi-^— m ■'■■■■r^ <«i».*if ■■fciaiw MMh

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SUMMER BOARDERS

OR, THE GREAT JEWEL MYSTERY

A COMEDY-DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS

By Josephine Van Tassel Bruorton

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Price, 25 cents
CHARACTERS

Joshua Wicks, owvurof*^ close onto

IfiOO acres.*'
Mr. Petkic Schultz, sometime ven-
der of sausages.
|AfB. Bauuv Bland, on Englishman

posstssed of a sfin<fy reputaiion and

a ialkat ve daughter.
Count de Musset, nper the 1,000

acres aiul Anilta lyicks.
Archie Barton, a j/ottng lancyery

after the ir'ulow.
Georoe Mangan, with an admira-

tionfor treat th.
Tom Sharpe, a retired defective^

failhful to KaiTenhujtpuch Wicks.

A DON I RAM Smith, the hired man,
vnth a fickle heart.

A u V iLLA W 1CK8, heiress of the IfiOO
acres.

Mks. Peter Schultz, owner of
many jewets.

Mies Barrv Bland, owner of a
hnsh"vd and a daughter.

Barketta Bland, ten ami talkative.

Miss Karkenhappuch Wicks, sis-
ter to Joshua.

Widow Wilkins, after a rich hus-
band.

Pansy Pratt, who voorships Adonir
ram.

SYNOPSIS

ACT I. — Dinner out of doors.
Interlude. — The Robbery.
ACT II. — 'lYacing Ix)st Jewels.

ACT III. —Dreaming True.
ACT IV. — Tlie Jewels Restored.

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

A CO.MKDY BY WIUJAM 6HAKF.SPEARK

Arranged in an Induction and Three Acts for the Use of

Schools and Colleges

Fifteen male, three female characters. Scenery, greatly simpllfled, or may
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Pricey 15 cenU

« •